Sobriety Rates 2016

It is very rare to see a treatment center disclose their data on relapse rates because the numbers at first glance can seem misleading and disheartening. The truth is that the recovery pattern from substance dependence is much like that of other relapsing conditions such as diabetes, weight gain, and domestic violence victimization. These conditions often take numerous steps forward into recovery, and sometimes, they take steps backwards, known as “slips” if they are short in duration. Some cases revert to full blown relapses, which is where the individual regresses to a more severe stage of impairment.

Some social scientists, Terence Gorski being the most famous, have dramatically influenced our understanding of addiction by describing the condition of addiction or substance dependence as a “relapsing condition.” Gorski proposed that relapse can be expected as part of the condition, and is not always a “bad” thing if it leads the individual into a deeper state of understanding of their vulnerabilities, and if exploration of the underlying factors that contributed to the relapse are used to prevent harm in the future, and re-engage in supportive treatment activities.

Our goal at AToN Center is to help individuals prevent deterioration in their lives and with their health, and to assist them in restoring whatever areas of health possible; physically, relationally, spiritually, and emotionally. As consistent with recommendations from the American Psychological Association, the safest recovery approach for individuals with substance dependence is abstinence, and that is our goal.

Comparison to National Benchmark

If you have ever attempted to identify success rates for the field of recovery, you know how difficult it may be! Below are AToN Center’s success rates. These rates must be interpreted with caution. To the best of AToN Center’s knowledge, these rates are accurate as possible. These rates are determined based on Aftercare outreach phone calls. Only residents who discharge with a “completed” status are afforded the benefit of Aftercare. After a period of time, some residents request to be taken off of the Aftercare outreach list.

Others have become very busy in their lives of recovery and respond to phone calls intermittently. Others have relapsed. Residents are removed from the Aftercare lists if they have requested AToN do so, or if they do not respond after several months. Therefore, these rates are based on those residents who are still receiving Aftercare phone calls. For the purposes of data analysis, all residents who are on the list, but who have not responded, are considered “relapsed.”

National Benchmark

AToN Center

Month 1

70%

77%

Months 1-3

40-70%

66%

Months 3-6

40%

57.3%

Months 6-12

38%

67%

As with all research, we advise “buyer beware” if you come across a treatment program who is reporting long term sobriety rates at 85% and above as these would be far in excess of the treatment community standard, and such studies likely have questionable research design methods.
AToN Center recommends a thorough discharge plan for all residents inclusive of structured support for the first 90 days post-discharge, and the data emphasizes the importance of maintaining vigilance post 90 days as well. The good news is that many individuals, who report a slip or relapse, reengage with their providers and get back on track quickly.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations. Call us today if you or a loved one is seeking an ethical, high quality San Diego treatment center with successful substance abuse treatment outcomes. Our private rehab program is limited to a total of 24 clients, 6 per residence to ensure quality of care. 888-535-1516